Aynsley China Factory

With its foundation firmly in the heart of the Potteries Aynsley China has a history stretching back over the centuries. In 1775, John Aynsley established a factory at Lane End (now Longton) and became one of Stoke-on-Trent's earliest master potters. Little did he know, that what had begun as a hobby and developed into a small business, would continue to grow and prosper over the next 200 years to become one of the leading influences in the British china industry. When his grandson John Aynsley II took the reins, the company moved to the forefront of fine bone china making, with the new practice of adding calcined bone to the china recipe.

The new bone china was a resounding success and in 1861 a factory was specially built, solely for the manufacture of the new ware. Know known as Portland Works, that same factory is at the heart of our manufacturing base in Stoke-on-Trent today. Modernisation has not affected the traditional handcrafts with which Aynsley has long been associated. The skill and artistry of the men and women who practice these handcrafts takes many years of dedication to achieve.

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